Ethan: "1v17? That's Not Difficult."
When the system notification faded, Ethan's gaze remained fixed on the strange conical device in the courtyard.
DNA Splicers.
He didn't fully recall its function—
But if it was labeled a Golden Opportunity, its value was unquestionable.
Secure it first. Research later.
His thoughts were interrupted as an elderly bald man approached.
The ruler of the Arctic Union for the past twenty years—
Emperor Andrei.
"You must be Ethan, the new Elite Four of Donghuang."
He spoke in fluent Donghuang language.
Ethan bowed politely.
"Ethan of Donghuang greets Emperor Andrei."
Despite coming to display strength, Ethan maintained proper decorum.
Andrei chuckled.
"No need for formality. I've known your father and Elder Zuo for years."
He sighed lightly.
"Time passes quickly. Donghuang now has a fourth generation standing at the top."
There was admiration in his eyes—
And perhaps a hint of envy.
But the peace was short-lived.
A burly, bearded middle-aged man snorted loudly.
"Your Majesty, no need to exaggerate."
"This boy? I doubt he's truly Elite Four level."
The speaker—
Jedlov, Arctic Union Elite Four.
Unlike Donovan, who favored cooperation—
Jedlov was a hawk.
He dreamed of restoring Arctic supremacy.
In the modern world, that was unrealistic.
But he believed it wholeheartedly.
Donovan immediately rebuked him.
"Jedlov! Watch your tone!"
But Andrei raised a hand to stop further escalation.
Then he smiled at Ethan.
"Our Elite Four wishes to test your strength. Would you indulge him?"
This was deliberate.
Arctic culture respected power.
And Andrei had long wanted to temper Jedlov's arrogance.
Ethan smiled faintly.
"I have no objection."
Round One — Chien-Pao vs Ursaluna
Ethan released Chien-Pao.
The crowd murmured.
"What Pokémon is that?"
"The aura… Heavenly King-tier?"
Jedlov sent out Ursaluna — Heavenly King (Late).
"High Horsepower!"
The ground shook violently.
Ethan responded calmly.
"Snow."
A blizzard descended instantly.
Chien-Pao vanished within the storm.
Moments later—
A cry echoed.
Chien-Pao reappeared behind Ursaluna.
Icicle Crash.
The Sword of Ruin's defense-penetrating trait activated.
Ursaluna collapsed.
Silence.
Heavenly King (Late) defeated by Heavenly King (Early).
Jedlov's expression darkened.
3v3 Battle
Jedlov escalated immediately.
He sent out:
Flygon — Heavenly King (Mid)Claydol — Heavenly King (Early)Rhyperior — Overlord (Peak)
Ethan responded with:
TyranitarBaxcaliburChien-Pao
The courtyard erupted.
Tyranitar activated Sand Stream—
But instead of replacing the snow, she compressed the sandstorm around herself like an aura field.
She blitzed Rhyperior.
One combo—borrowed from Lucario's teachings—
Rhyperior fell instantly.
Baxcalibur conjured a colossal Dragon-typed halberd from condensed energy—
A single cleaving strike shattered Claydol's defenses.
Flygon tried to resist—
But in the raging blizzard, one Blizzard froze it solid.
Three down.
Clean sweep.
The 1v17
Humiliation stung.
Several Arctic challengers stepped forward.
Ethan accepted all of them.
Simultaneously.
Seventeen trainers.
Tyranitar Mega Evolved.
One Pokémon against seventeen.
Baxcalibur and Chien-Pao activated Heaven-and-Earth Origin Refinement.
The temperature around the castle dropped another forty degrees.
If not for emergency Fire-types—
Guests would've frozen.
The result?
Total domination.
Seventeen defeated.
Utter silence.
The hawks had no more words.
Andrei watched with shining eyes.
Such talent—
What a shame he wasn't Arctic-born.
Still—
A promise was a promise.
The Emperor personally handed Ethan the DNA Splicers.
System notification sounded:
[Golden Opportunity Acquired — DNA Splicers]
[×10,000 Critical]
[Nine-Color Opportunity — Kyurem Egg]
Ethan blinked.
"Kyurem… Egg?"
So that's it.
Reshiram.
Zekrom.
And now—
The missing dragon.
He slowly looked down at the DNA Splicers in his hand.
A faint smile formed.
The pieces…
Were assembling.
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/kakashiTL